Atlanta Hawks: What should they do now (poll)?
Al Horford had surgery today and let’s go ahead and say he’s out for the year, regular season and playoffs.
I don’t know that for sure, of course, but out three to four months on Jan. 17 sure sounds that way. If he comes back at the end of the regular season, how long before he’s in game shape and ready to contribute? Could he really make a difference in the playoffs under those circumstances? Is it even worth it at that point for the Hawks to send out their All-Star center with four years left on his $60 million extension?
Loading ...The Hawks might have been able to make a good run at the East finals with Horford. It would have been interesting to see if they could do it, at least. Without Horford, the focus has shifted to whether the Hawks still can make the playoffs without him (yes) or win a playoff round if they manage to make the postseason (unlikely).
But shouldn’t the thinking go beyond that that now for the Hawks? Isn’t looking to the future the prudent thing to do once you accept that a) Horford isn’t coming back or b) he won’t have much if an impact if he does or c) even if he does come back healthy this team has maxed out?
When you look ahead, you see that the Hawks have roughly $61 million committed to six players next season. If it stays that way, Atlanta will have no cap space and would face the possibility of adding free agents around Horford, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Jeff Teague with the mid-level, bi-annual and minimum-salary exceptions (or a higher salary through a sign-and-trade). With about $9 million of wiggle room beneath the luxury-tax line, could the Hawks build a true contender that way?
I suppose the Hawks could try to add a big now, either a stop-gap for this season or a legit center both for this postseason and next season. The free-agent pickings are slim but once Kirk Hinrich is healthy it’s possible his expiring $8.1 million contract could be flipped for a center. That most likely would mean the Hawks would have to take on more salary next season while keeping that $9 million tax wiggle room in mind.
Larry Drew, for one, is proceeding as if Atlanta will stick with the status quo.
“That’s the approach I have to take,” he said. “I don’t want to get my hopes built up about something possibly happening and it doesn’t happen. I would rather approach it as nothing is going to happen, this is the team and we will go out and do the best we can.”
If they best the Hawks can do with this roster still leaves them out of the playoffs, that would be disappointing for them considering their high hopes this season. But it may not be the worst thing in the world considering they could have a high pick in what’s supposed to be a deep draft. That player (or the pick) could be a valuable asset down the line, either as a trade chip or a promising young (and cheap) rotation player.
It’s difficult for me to guess how Hawks management would react to things coming to an end in that way for the core. The whole point of keeping this team together was to make a “make or break” run at it this year. The Hawks made the team deeper by adding minimum-salaried veterans but now the master plan has been undermined by losing one of their key cogs to a freak injury.
That’s bad luck, but does that bad luck mean the Hawks keep the core together another year for another run? If they decide this group has run its course, anyway, do they make another run at Dwight Howard even if he still doesn’t include them on his list? If they can’t get Howard, do they trade away a core piece and start building toward acquiring a different superstar or better complementary pieces around whichever part of the core is left behind after trades?
I don’t know what they should do. You tell me, blog people.
Notes
- Tracy McGrady (back) participated in a lengthy workout after practice along with Jerry Stackhouse and Jannero Pargo and looked pretty good. McGrady said he hasn’t consulted the team’s staff while dealing with his ailments: “I haven’t talked to them about it, but I feel pretty good where I’m at. I’m putting in extra work to see where I’m at coming off the back injury. I’m feeling pretty solid. I feel good, legs feel good. I’m ready to go. I wish they’d release me. And I don’t mean from the team.”
- Drew said the starting lineup could be fluid depending on opponent: “That could happen. We are looking at matchups. There are going to be some teams we play against where we are going to have to tweak it a little bit and then as the game progresses make a decision as far as other matchups. We’ve had some situations where started the game and haven’t felt totally comfortable with [matchups] but guys have played through it.”
- When Horford went down, Drew said he was concerned about the Hawks feeling sorry for themselves and letting up. That hasn’t happened: “One good thing that has happened was even when that happened, some of these veteran guys have spoken out and said these are the type of situations that show what a team is made of. These guys have been in this thing a while and they’ve experienced a lot of different situations. They are passing it on.”
- Josh on how the Hawks can keep winning without Al: “I think if Ivan keeps giving the energy and effort he’s giving off the bench and the physicality I think we will be good in the frontcourt. As long as we do that and the guards do that and play tough and make it hard to get into the paint and us being a force, we will be OK. We have to have an identity of being a scrappy team.”
- Josh on his recent tear: “I’m just being aggressive and confident but, in the same breath, playing within the offense and not forcing anything. I’m getting shots in the offense, getting open looks, and guys are finding me. Everyone is being unselfish.”
- Josh is now up to 42 percent on long 2s this season after shooting 39 percent last season. The league average from that range this year is 38 percent. “It’s really muscle memory, not fading on my jump shot and standing in there,” he said. “Whenever I do that I feel good about making shots.”
- Josh on the his slimmer frame: “I feel a little bit more explosive. I might have been winded after all these game last year.” He said it doesn’t help with his jumper, though: “There’s a lot of chubby guys out here that are strokers.”
- T-Mac on his talks with Josh: “I’ve been in his ear and telling him how he can be more effective on the basketball court. He’s one of the guys that has a high basketball IQ. He’s a good passer, he’s very athletic. At his position there are not too many guys like that. The thing about him is he has to really see the flow of the game and know what we need from him and that’s be aggressive and get to the free-throw line. That’s how you get your [scoring] average up in this league. A guy with his ability, he should shoot 8 to 10 free throws per game. I think he’s taking notice.”
- The NBA released its annual GM survey, which allows fans a chance to see that basketball executives don’t always know as much as you might think. Or maybe they just don’t care enough to fill out those surveys. Probably better for fans who care to go with the latter explanation.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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277 comments Add your comment
Smith.Vlad.Bogut
January 17th, 2012
8:48 pm
Only thing people can do to defend Horford is say. “He has a good IQ”.
Well I ain’t looking for brain. Man defense. Length and quick for Shot alterations.
Dunk off a JJ double team. Or Teague penetration.
Hit an occasional 10 foot jumper. Note I did not say get another 6′8 center who stays outside with inability to play inside and builds his offense off of jumpers.
Ivan Johnson is the new Horford. Now get a classic center. Get Bogut so we can whup Philly’s ass.
Hawks Fan Down Under
January 17th, 2012
8:49 pm
Agree that Al is overrated. I was surprised he was an All-Star both years then somehow got voted into the All-NBA team? He was projected to be a 20-10 guy that never eventuated. People got wrapped up in his rookie year of 10 and 10 that put him alongside some of the greats like Alonzo and Shaq. But he hasnt gotten better so it’d be a good move to trade him while people think he is a gun and he is still young.
Of course sacking LD is the highest of priorities as always!
Surely we could get some one for a either Horford, Heinrich, Marvin. But can you trade injured players?
Smith.Vlad.Bogut
January 17th, 2012
8:53 pm
hope Horford returns for a playoffs run.
Playoff run?
What would Horford do in the playoffs…Guys, his timing would be gone. He’d be weak in the paint. Omg if thats the plan then you deserve to lose Josh Smith via free agency.
Rebuilding around average. The ATL way.
Ed Gray
January 17th, 2012
8:55 pm
Any chance we could trade for Durant?
Sam
January 17th, 2012
8:57 pm
Hawks plans for now and beyond…
Do like the Celtics did a couple years ago when they built their big 3
1. Trade Josh/Marvin and whatever it takes to make salaries work and trade for Dwight Howard.
2. Amnesty Joe @ year end. That’d clear up whatever space we need to resign Dwight AND a priemer player, like Deron Williams, this summer.
3. If Dwight leaves @ year end, start over with a core of Al/Teague, amnesty Joe, and try to lure a star.
ATL_Champs2012
January 17th, 2012
9:04 pm
nothing this team is set and ready to be great as is and ready to catch fire in the playoffs with horford returning
MattP
January 17th, 2012
9:07 pm
ATL_Champs2012,
It is set and ready? You know that if Horford does get lucky and can return for the playoffs he will not beable to play 30+ minutes a game, he also will be rusty.
DSC
January 17th, 2012
9:08 pm
I kind of just want to start over with this team. Just strip the roster and get Michael Kidd-Gilchrist as a 3 and Thomas Robinson as the 4. Go from there. Its time to blow it up.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 17th, 2012
9:09 pm
Achey Breaky Heart!
“The whole point of keeping this team together was to make a “make or break” run at it this year. The Hawks made the team deeper by adding minimum-salaried veterans but now the master plan has been undermined by losing one of their key cogs to a freak injury.
That’s bad luck, but does that bad luck mean the Hawks keep the core together another year for another run? If they decide this group has run its course, anyway, do they make another run at Dwight Howard even if he still doesn’t include them on his list? If they can’t get Howard, do they trade away a core piece and start building toward acquiring a different superstar or better complementary pieces around whichever part of the core is left behind after trades?
I don’t know what they should do. You tell me, blog people.” -MC-
_____________________
Achey Breaky Heart is an old country song that was a hit a while back and yes I thought it was an appropriate theme to describe what the loss of Al Horford means to me. Yes! I do love country music. I voted to trade for the future, I for one can see the optimism however, this core has reached it’s cieling three years ago.
Emotions aside, I dont need to see Groundhog Day every day before I know the outcome. The reason I fall asleep at every movie house I’ve been to, is because within 30 seconds of the start time I can predict the final episode. In other words, I am not easily entertained. That is the sole reason I am addicted to sports, you just cant make this stuff up. Sports is the quintessiential of LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!
Here’s my point: Blow it up and re-do the cast! For the future. Start with Sund, since we cant get rid of the fkg owners. How many times do you need to slam your head into a wall, before you realize the wall ain’t moving? 2nd round exit people!!! it is what it is.
Ken Strickland
January 17th, 2012
9:14 pm
It looks like Horford’s injury, and our 3gm winning streak, has given HORFOR HATERS another excuse to display their shameless ignorance and/or stupidity IGNORANCE, STUPIDITY, or BOTH? STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES. In previous seasons we only had Zaza, STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES.
it looks like the majority of Buck fans would jump at the chance to take Horford and get rid of Bogut, straight up. ABSOLUTE DUMBA$$ES and They realize something that our HORFORD HATING and BOGUT LOVING Hawk fans are too blinded by their self serving agendas to realize. And that’s the fact that Bogut is a total waste when he’s sitting on the bench in a suit and tie nursing a hang nail, which he does far too often.
Do any of you BOGUT LOVERS remember when the Bucks took us to 7gms, without Bogut,? Stop being a bunch of ABSOLUTE DUMBA$$ES and start dealing with reality for a change. Try it, if you can, you might learn to like it. If not, STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES. has given HORFOR HATERS another excuse to display their shameless ignorance and/or stupidity IGNORANCE, STUPIDITY, realize something that our HORFORD HATING and BOGUT LOVING Hawk fans are too blinded by their self serving agendas IGNORANCE HORFOR HATERS ABSOLUTE DUMBA$$ES
Ed Gray
January 17th, 2012
9:20 pm
Ken, I’m sure there’s a point in there some where.
Bigman needed
January 17th, 2012
9:21 pm
At the half bogut has 2&5 pn 1-5 shooting, while nene has 12 & 6. Denver up by about 20.
Milwaukee at home!
Im sure they will come back in 2nd half. Leuer is about to get hot!
Astro Joe
January 17th, 2012
9:21 pm
Rod, are you expecting LD to say “I don’t believe that Marvin should start but I do so anyway”? Or better yet, “I think marvin is a below average player who won’t likely get better but because the GM signed him to a stupid contract, I am forced to start him, but I refuse to have himm finish a game”. Is that what you’re expecting MC to gift-wrap for you?
Steven A
January 17th, 2012
9:22 pm
Al Horford is a really nice guy, but he “SUCKS” as a NBA Center. He is too SOFTand he cannot protect the rim. Al stinks and he is Over-rated, PERIOD!!!!!!!! Having said that, he is a nice PF 4th
option.
SteveW
January 17th, 2012
9:24 pm
TMac said, “T-Mac on his talks with Josh: “I’ve been in his ear and telling him how he can be more effective on the basketball court. He’s one of the guys that has a high basketball IQ.”
Hmmm, somebody other than myself notices Josh has a high BB IQ. He doesn’t always play like he does, but objectively, he does.
TMac said, “The thing about him is he has to really see the flow of the game and know what we need from him and that’s be aggressive and get to the free-throw line. That’s how you get your [scoring] average up in this league. A guy with his ability, he should shoot 8 to 10 free throws per game. I think he’s taking notice.”
Hmmm again, Look like TMac is being a leader.
As far as what I would do, 1st, I’d bring in Chris Daniels and see what he can do. If he does well in a tryout, sign him to a 10 day contract and cut probably Stack.
Daniels could be your stretch Big.
Nique
January 17th, 2012
9:25 pm
Al Horford “nembers” do not add up to 12 mill. per year. However, i would like to borrow some of his
suits.
Just Joe
January 17th, 2012
9:26 pm
My primary focus whether Horford is healthy or not is to get something of value in return from a Joe Johnson trade.
My secondary focus whether Horford is healthy or not is to get something of value in return from a Marvin Williams trade.
X factor
January 17th, 2012
9:27 pm
“Only thing people can do to defend Horford is say. “He has a good IQ”.
I always thought the way to defend Horford was to attack Josh. Thats what the Al Apologist have been doing for quite a while. As if some how verbally abusing Josh, would justify Al.
Time for a change. Its funny how enthusiastic the team has been of late. Like a heavy burden has been lifted.
No more locker room fighting. Just peace and a desire to win, not whine. Nobody’s demanding to play any position or wanting the ball more on offense. The team just wants to win.
SteveW
January 17th, 2012
9:28 pm
SLB – At 7:36 you said this, “I officially propose trading Horford for Leuer and Bogut.”
Haven’t you officially proposed this trade 487,000 times in the last month? We comprehend man. Go watch a Woody Allen movie and give us a review or something.
Smith.Vlad.Bogut
January 17th, 2012
9:28 pm
MAtched up against Kurt Thomas Dan Gadzuric and Ersan Ilyasova. Missing Bogut. Hawks had Horford and Marvin. Result 7 games and Kurt Thomas called Horford a B-word that rhymes with “witch”
Would we have won against the Bobcats with Iso Horford vs Diaw? We didn’t the first time. Smith and Horford both play the same position. And both want to lead breaks. Sometimes less is more.
And as far as matchups. Horford as a PF has been very very dissapointing. Can’t blame him for injury. He said something to the effect of “I’m obviously a 4 and not a natural center”.
Yet Bosh averaged 25ppg as a center.
Jack of all trades master of none. Get this guy out of here for masters/specialists. Unless you have a superstar stabilizing force (as opposed to Marvin), you can’t have Josh Smith and Al Horford together and expect to win. They play the same position and the core is poisoned.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 17th, 2012
9:29 pm
*ceiling
… and, we dont need Al Horford healthy to tell us what is gonna’ happen next. now that he is gone, the bench has a new hole in it. This car don’t need a spare tire, we need a new set of Michelins, front and rear end alignment, balance’ rotation. And while on the subject, get a new driver (management) because, this car is headed into a very steep, mountainous embankment.
Don’t let three wins against scrub teams lull you into a false sense of security. Be smarter than that.
Nique
January 17th, 2012
9:30 pm
Some of these clowns on this Blog need to CALM DOWN. In my day, Tree Rollins would have dominated AL “SCRUB” Horford. I’m surprised he didn’t marry a Kardashian. Anyone want to sell me some SUITS?
Smith.Vlad.Bogut
January 17th, 2012
9:30 pm
Bogut is not Kaman. Andrew Bogut is “Marc Gasol if he had no help and had to lead a team”.
Ed Gray
January 17th, 2012
9:31 pm
Ding Dong the witch is dead the witch is dead Ding Dong the wicked witch is dead!!
SteveW
January 17th, 2012
9:31 pm
Daniels is shooting 45% from 3 point range on a 6-9 265 lb frame, if you want a stretch big. Same team in DLeague as Ivan and Sloan.
Averages more Boards and Blocks than Ivan did in DLeague.
Just sayin’.
Bigman needed
January 17th, 2012
9:31 pm
Byombo 11 & 10, 4 blocks in 20 mins. That is work
6′ 9″ center?
Astro Joe
January 17th, 2012
9:33 pm
Steve, if MC asked TMac what he thought of Pargo, I’d bet a mortgage payment that he would say something positive that would make him sound like a guy who should be getting 20 minutes/game on a legit title contender. Hasn’t Josh claimed that one reason he tales jumpers is because his teammates “believes he can make them” (or something like that)? Sorry, I think his teammates are being good friends and loyal co-workers (as they should).
SteveW
January 17th, 2012
9:34 pm
Can’t believe Kurt Thomas is starting at C for Portland some. And last game had by far the best +/- of their starters.
Two of our 4 second picks for Kurt Thomas if the Blazers would do it. He’s a solid player still at 38 or whatever, for limited stretches.
Nique
January 17th, 2012
9:34 pm
Smith.Vlad.Bogut
January 17th, 2012
9:28 pm
MAtched up against Kurt Thomas Dan Gadzuric and Ersan Ilyasova. Missing Bogut. Hawks had Horford and Marvin. Result 7 games and Kurt Thomas called Horford a B-word that rhymes with “witch”
Would we have won against the Bobcats with Iso Horford vs Diaw? We didn’t the first time. Smith and Horford both play the same position. And both want to lead breaks. Sometimes less is more.
And as far as matchups. Horford as a PF has been very very dissapointing. Can’t blame him for injury. He said something to the effect of “I’m obviously a 4 and not a natural center”.
Yet Bosh averaged 25ppg as a center.
Jack of all trades master of none. Get this guy out of here for masters/specialists. Unless you have a superstar stabilizing force (as opposed to Marvin), you can’t have Josh Smith and Al Horford together and expect to win. They play the same position and the core is poisoned.
Link
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Great Post…, I COULD NOT AGREE MORE. Sick and tired of not having a True starting 5.
Bigman needed
January 17th, 2012
9:34 pm
Greg monroe being shutout by dalembert!
This is what a defensive presence can do people
X factor
January 17th, 2012
9:35 pm
Damn Whats Ken smoking? Stay away from the women and children.
hawks21
January 17th, 2012
9:36 pm
I would trade for McGee (Wizards) – Center, b/c now he is out of favor with the coaching staff. I would send Marvin and Kirk for him ASAP!!!!
steven a
January 17th, 2012
9:36 pm
trade Marvin, AL, and Kirk Heinrich by the trading deadline. 1 Big plus draft pick.
SteveW
January 17th, 2012
9:37 pm
AJ – So we will still disagree that Josh has a high BB IQ. That’s ok. But off the court, please tell me what Josh says about BB, besides his game, which he is obviously delusional about sometimes, that tell you that he has a low BB IQ?
I have seem many evidences in his conversations that I have seen and read over the years that lead me to believe otherwise. The guy is brilliant about BB, he just doesn’t know himself.
But your entitled to your opinion.
SteveW
January 17th, 2012
9:39 pm
“tells” and “seen” should be in my last post, not tell and seem. OOops!
X factor
January 17th, 2012
9:41 pm
I think Josh is a smart MF. It you dumb azz bloggers who are stupid.
steven a
January 17th, 2012
9:41 pm
Whomever they trade for, no one over the age of 28, PERIOD!!!!
Smith.Vlad.Bogut
January 17th, 2012
9:41 pm
Outside of the centers (Bogut and Nene) who would you pick to win the game. Milwaukee or Denver?
nuff said.
And Leuer is not playing the same position in MIL that he;d play here. That would make it 4 out and only 1 player inside battling for rebounds.
Like Orlando with Dwight
steven a
January 17th, 2012
9:43 pm
I can see most of the Bloggers here are “College Educated.”
hawks21
January 17th, 2012
9:43 pm
Then your starting line up would look like this: Teague (PG), Johnson (SG), McGee (C), Smith (SF), Vald (PF). Bench Pargo, Green, McGrady, ZaZa, Ivan, Collins
Marcus
January 17th, 2012
9:44 pm
MC,
‘Boss’ will be channeling his “inner Rod Woodson” (circa ‘95 NFL season)….and the Highlight Factory will go wild!!!
steven a
January 17th, 2012
9:45 pm
Ken Strickland and X-Factor must be on Snoop
KEN STRICKLAND
January 17th, 2012
9:45 pm
Do any of you BOGUT LOVERS remember when the Bucks took us to 7gms, without Bogut,? Stop You guys arebeing a bunch of ABSOLUTE DUMBA$$ES and start dealing with reality for a change. Try it, if you can, you might learn to like it. If not, STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES. has given HORFORD HATERS another excuse to display their shameless ignorance and/or stupidity IGNORANCE, STUPIDITY,
YOU SHOULD realize something that our HORFORD HATING and BOGUT LOVING Hawk fans are too blinded by their self serving agendas
IGNORANCE HORFOR HATERS ABSOLUTE DUMBA$$ES.
THERE IS NO WAY WE SHOULD TRADE HORFORD. DUMBA$$$$$$ES
STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES.
doc
January 17th, 2012
9:45 pm
T-Mac on his talks with Josh: “I’ve been in his ear and telling him how he can be more effective on the basketball court. He’s one of the guys that has a high basketball IQ. He’s a good passer, he’s very athletic. At his position there are not too many guys like that. The thing about him is he has to really see the flow of the game and know what we need from him and that’s be aggressive and get to the free-throw line. That’s how you get your [scoring] average up in this league. A guy with his ability, he should shoot 8 to 10 free throws per game. I think he’s taking notice.”
could tmac say this to jj as well?
Astro Joe
January 17th, 2012
9:46 pm
Steve, I think folk confuse skill and vision for IQ. He has great vision and above average skills to complement outstanding athleticism and defensive instincts. With that package, if he truly had great Bball IQ, would there still be issues with his poor decision making?
Bigman needed
January 17th, 2012
9:46 pm
Javal mcgee is on an expiring deal at 2 mil and will demand a max extension. He’s 12 &10, 3 blocks.
If you took rashard lewis 21 mil per 2 yrs left. Washington might listen
steven a
January 17th, 2012
9:46 pm
Ken Strickland and X-Factor must be on Snoop Dogs Bus tonight, and some other AL Horford lovers.
SteveW
January 17th, 2012
9:47 pm
Bucks vs Denver – 3rd Quarter midway – Bogut 2 pts, 5rebs, 4 turnonvers, Leuer 0 rebounds, 5 pts
Nene 14 and 9, Mozgov 4 and 5
Bogut for Heisman! Bogut for President! Bogut for UN General Secty! Bogut for Peace in the Middle East! Bogut for Santa Claus! Trade the whole team for these two, they can win it all 2 on 5!
Bogut for MVP! Leuer of course 2nd in all of this
SLB – Just messin’ with you – sorry man
X factor
January 17th, 2012
9:48 pm
steven a or what ever other name you troll by, probably that sauttee guy. I think you and Ken are both smoking something illegal. Dude Its only basketball.
Calm down.
Eric
January 17th, 2012
9:52 pm
Wow. I hate to say it, but the conversation on this blog is becoming very poor and uninteresting. That’s not the result any mistakes on your part though, MC. The coverage that you provide has been very timely and informative so far this season, good stuff. However, the comments are almost not even worth reading anymore. A lot of the regulars who usually have interesting opinions/insight to share and whom I’ve become accustomed to seeing on the blog over the years do not seem to post very often anymore. I can’t blame them, the comments have degraded significantly. Rarely do I still read interesting or informative posts or find people using evidence to try and reinforce their statements on here anymore. At this point, I mostly read complaints and tons of foolish spam (mostly by the same person under different identities, my apologies to the others). It’s just not worth my time to read this anymore. Hopefully, there aren’t a lot of others who feel the same way.